ASCI upholds complaints against 191 advertisements out of 269 in March 2018

Mumbai : In March 2018, ASCI’s Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 191 advertisements out of the total of 269 advertisements that were evaluated by the CCC.

Out of the total 191advertisements against which complaints were upheld, 114 belonged to the healthcare sector, 24 to the education sector, 35 to the food & beverages category, seven to the personal care and 11 were from the ‘others’ category.A total of 183 advertisements were picked up by ASCI’s Suo Moto surveillance and objections against 165advertisements were upheld. Of the 86 advertisements complained against by the general public or by industry members, complaints against 26 advertisements were upheld by the CCC.

Exaggeration of product efficacy was the number one reason for upholding complaints. The other reasons included exploiting consumers’ lack of knowledge, providing factsand figures which were inadequately substantiated to support claims and delivering advertisements which were misleading by ambiguity or by implication. This was followed by violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act (DMR Act) and the Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C)Rules and advertisements which contravened various ASCI guidelines.

Among the various complaints against advertisements featuring celebrities, the CCC observed that an advertisement for an innerwear brand featuring a popular superstar was found to misguide the consumers, by trying toget them to think that superstars in the film industry wear this brand. A celebrity was seen endorsing a cream to clear dark spots, whose efficacy was not substantiated and was misleading. Likewise, an advertisement featuring a celebrity promoting excessive consumption of a snacking product was considered to be in contravention of the ASCI Guidelines for celebrities in Advertising.

Abanti Sankaranarayanan

“Grievances against brands from various segments have been upheld for not abiding by the Self-Regulation code and guidelines put forth by ASCI. It is ASCI’s ongoing mission to maintain and enhance the public’s confidence in advertising and ensure that consumers stay protected from misleading information in the advertisements.”said Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Chairman, ASCI

HEALTHCARE: – Total of 114ads complained against

Direct Complaints (seven ads complained against)

Suo Moto Surveillance by ASCI ( 107ads complained against)

PERSONAL CARE: – Total of seven ads complained against

Direct Complaints(Fiveads complained against)

Suo Moto Surveillance by ASCI (Two ads complained against)

FOOD AND BEVERAGES: – Total of 35 ads complained against

Direct Complaints (Four ads complained against)

Suo Moto Surveillance by ASCI (31 ads complained against)

EDUCATION:- Total of 24ads complained against

Direct Complaints (Three ads complained against)

Suo Moto Surveillance by ASCI (21ads complained against)

OTHERS:- Total of 11 ads complained against

Direct Complaints (Sevenads complained against)

Suo Moto Surveillance by ASCI (Four ads complained against)

DIRECT COMPLAINTS

HEALTHCARE:

The CCC found claims of sevenadvertisements in healthcare products or services to be either misleading or false or not adequately / scientifically substantiated;hence in violation of the ASCICode. Several healthcare products or clinic advertisements also contravened provisions of the Drug & Magic Remedies Regulations and Chapter III.4 of the ASCI Code. Complaints against the following advertisements were UPHELD.

Lifespan Wellness Pvt Ltd. (Lifespan Diabetes Clinic): The advertisement’s claim, “Can’t get Diabetes under control? Get comprehensive solutions and treatments ……” implying cure for Diabetes, was not substantiated with supporting clinical evidence and is misleading by exaggeration and implication. The claims, “Most diabetics get only half the care they need, get the full care with expert dialectologist and comprehensive treatment at life span”, and “70% of Lifespan patients successfully managed their high blood sugar by actively adhering to the full care R.I.S.C. based treatment”, were not substantiated with supporting data and are misleading by exaggeration.

Dr. Dassan’s Life Care Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment and Research Centre (Kidney): The advertisement’s claim (in Gujarati) as translated in English, “… treatment can prevent dialysis in kidney diseases”, was not substantiated with authentic, credible scientific / clinical evidence. The claim, implying cure for kidney diseases, is misleading by gross exaggeration and exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge and is likely to lead to grave or widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers.

Allen Healthcare Co. Ltd (LivosinAyurvedicliver and skin health capsule): The advertisement’s claim, “100% Herbal”, was not substantiated with any evidence of the ingredients present in the product, and was misleading by exaggeration.

Allen Healthcare Co. Ltd (Livosin DS herbal Liver Tonic): The advertisement’s claim, “Prevents alcohol induced liver disease”, was not substantiated with clinical evidence of product efficacy, and is grossly misleading by implication that the product is good for alcoholics, thus misleading them to consume more alcohol. The advertisement also exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge and is likely to lead to grave or widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers. The claim, “Sugar Free” was not substantiated with any evidence of the ingredients present in the product, and is misleading.

Super Science of Healing Methods (Dr. R.K Aggarwal): The advertisement’s claim, “Have you got Stones? Remove in 35 days without operation”, was not substantiated with supporting clinical evidence, and is misleading by exaggeration and exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge and is likely to lead to grave or widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers.

L’Oreal India Private Ltd:In this advertisement, celebrity Alia Bhatt is seen endorsing ‘New Garnier Light Serum Complete Cream’ wherein two of her friends in this advertisement have dark spots and dark skin and Alia Bhatt promises them that if they will use this Garnier serum cream, it will vanish inone week’s time. Next in the advertisementwe see Alia and her friends in all glamour and fair skinat a premiere. The advertisement’s claim, “With new Garnier Light Complete …. de three tones lighter skin sirfek week mein”, was not substantiated, and is misleading by exaggeration.

Hindustan Unilever Limited – Pure Derm Anti Dandruff Shampoo: The advertisement’s claim, “Dandruff JayegaAurWaapasNahinAayega” is an absolute claim and was not adequately substantiated. Regardless of the statement “Purify your scalp everyday” the claim was misleading by exaggeration. Furthermore, the claim, “”10/10 derms recommend Pure Derm”, was not substantiated and was misleading by ambiguity and implication that all dermatologists recommend the advertised product over other anti-dandruff products in the market.

Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited- Pampers: The advertisement’s claim “Pampers No. 1 Choice of Doctors”, in absence of a qualifier to mention the source and conditions of the survey, is misleading by ambiguity and omission.

Wipro Enterprises Pvt Ltd (Santoor Handwash):The advertisement’s claims, (in Gujarati) as translated in English, “Santoor Handwash is made from Tulsi and Sandalwood”, and “Tulsi keeps your hands germ-free, while Sandalwood keeps them smooth”, were not substantiated and are misleading by ambiguity and implication.

R & R Salons Private Ltd (YLG Institute Salon Pro Slogro): The advertisement’s claims, “World’s first skin care solution that slows regrowth of body hair to keep that just-waxed look for longer” and “World’s first range of products with Deplif active system that retards hair regrowth and gives freedom from body hair for longer”, were neither adequately substantiated with any verifiable comparative data nor the advertiser’s products were established to be the “World’s first”range of products for hair growth retardation. The claims are misleading by gross exaggeration. The claim “With the use of Slogro products, body hair is reduced, weakened and delayed in growth, making it easy and painless to remove during the next waxing session now enjoy more hair-free days” was inadequately substantiated. For the claim “The fast absorbing formulation moisturizes, nourishes and lightens your skin, leaving it softer and smoother”, while the claim related to fast absorbing formula, moisturization and softness or smoothness of skin were not considered to be objectionable, the claim of “lightens your skin” was inadequately substantiated and is misleading.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES:-

Guiltfree Industries Limited (Too Yumm): In the advertisement, cricketer Virat Kohli is seen munching on Too Yumm all through the commercial. Two men are shown eating vegetables whereas the cricketer is munching on the product. In the end he says, “Kyunki TOO YUMM sirf tasty nahi, it is filled with goodness. It’s not fried, it’s baked”. The claim “It is baked, it is not fried” holds for only three variants; However, the TVC showed nine product variants. The claim was therefore considered inadequately substantiated and misleading by ambiguity, implication and exaggeration. The advertisement’s claim, “Eat Lot and Fikar Not” and “Eat anytime anywhere, as much”, showing overindulgence of the product in the TVC and with other cues such as “binging”/“khaayethoosthoos”, was misleading by implication and exaggeration that the advertised product would not have any negative effect despite excessive consumption. There was also a stark contradiction between the Claim, “Eat Lot and Fikar Not” and the disclaimer quoting “We promote responsible indulgence as a part of dietary requirement”. The visual of the celebrity when seen in conjunction with the claims are likely to mislead consumers regarding the product characteristics.

Tata Chemical Ltd (Tata Salt): The advertisement’s claim, “No Added Chemicals”, was misleading and contradictory to the disclaimer mentioned in the advertisement.

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Limited – Horlicks Protein Plus: The advertisement’s claim, “3X more protein” is misleading by ambiguity and implication that the protein content is higher than that of Protinex – a leading product drink currently present in a tin format.

Chemical Resources (Fenfuro): The advertisement’s claims, “Recently married and planning to have a baby! Check your blood glucose levels as high glucose levels travel to next generation”, Safe and Effective as per clinical data available on 254 subjects”, and “Further Study on 200 subjects at AIIMS is under evaluation”, were not substantiated with clinical evidence for product efficacy and are misleading by gross exaggeration and implication. The advertisement also creates a fear in the consumer’s mind and exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge and is likely to lead to grave or widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers.

EDUCATION:-

The CCC found following claims in the advertisements by three advertisersnot substantiated and thus, violatingASCI Guidelines for Advertising forEducational Institutions.

IMS Learning Resources P. Ltd: The advertisement’s claim, “RutujaMahohar GMAT 730”, was grossly misleading by implicating that the student had taken GMAT classes and by misusing the complainant’s name. The advertisementin the promotional material and the advertisementin the brochure,both contravened Guidelines for Advertising of Educational Institutions and Programmes

Allnine Overseas Education: The advertisement’s claim, “Seven Band guaranteed achieving”, was not substantiated. The claim, “Highest Visa Success Ratio”, was not substantiated with verifiable supporting data of the advertiser’s institute versus other similar institutes offering visa assistance, and is misleading by exaggeration and implication.

Great Lakes Institute of Management (Great learning): The advertisement’s claims, “Get certified in business analytics with personalized mentorship” and “Learn from World class faculty”, were inadequately substantiated. The claims are misleading by ambiguity, exaggeration and exploit consumers’ lack of knowledge and are likely to lead to grave or widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers.

OTHERS:-

Polycab Wires Pvt Ltd (Polycab Cables & Wires): The advertisement’s claim of power saving (“Polycab Wires lagaoaurbijlibachao”,) was not substantiated and is misleading by implication. In the advertisement, celebrity Paresh Raval is seen convincing his neighbour to use Polycab wires to save electricity which was misleading and not justified. Moreover, in view of the CCC, a small saving, if any, is being projected as a significant saving.

HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Ltd (HDFC life): The advertisement’s claim, “Poor Air Quality can lead to Cancer”, is misleading by exaggeration. The advertisement uses the word “can” which is a more definitive term than the word “may”, thereby creating a fear in the consumer’s mind. The advertisement exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge and is likely to lead to grave or widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers.

Oppo Mobile (Oppo F5):Oppo advertisement shown as an article in Times of India app was misleading by omission to mention that it is an advertisement.

MRF Ltd (MRF Nylogrip Plus): The advertisement’s claims,(in Hindi) “Pura India yeh manta hai, sabsezyadayehichaltahai”, (in Marathi) “Sampoorn India heymanto, sarvathjaasthhaachchalto”, implying that MRF Nylogrip tyres are long lasting and the largest selling tyres in the country, which was not substantiated with verifiable comparative data or with market survey data. The claim is misleading by implication and gross exaggeration

Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation Limited: The advertisement’s claim, Nagpur metro – “The Greenest Metro in the world”, was not substantiated and is misleading by gross exaggeration.

SUO MOTO Surveillance by ASCI

The advertisements given below were picked up through ASCI’s SuoMoto surveillance of Print and TV media via the National Advertisement Monitoring Services (NAMS) project. Out of 183advertisements that were picked up, 165advertisements were considered to be misleading. Of the total 165advertisements, 107advertisements belonged to Healthcare, 21belonged to the Education category, 31belonged to Food & Beverage category, two belonged to Personal Care category and four belonged to ‘Others’ category.

HEALTHCARE:

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd (Crocin 650): The advertisement’s claim, “Its fast release formula starts working in just five minutes”, was not substantiated with evidence of product efficacy within five minutes. The claim exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge.

Kolors Health Care India Pvt Ltd (Kolors Slimming & Beauty): The advertisement’s claims, “Reduce up to six inches within short period (stomach, sides, thighs, hips) without exercise, pills, side effects and without surgery”, “Removes stretch marks”, were not substantiated. The claims and efficacy being depicted via visuals of before and after the treatment are misleading by gross exaggeration and exploit consumers’ lack of knowledge and are likely to lead to grave or widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers.

Nova IVI Fertility: The advertisement claiming to be India’s No.1 Fertility Chain via disclaimer that it was “based on an award received”, was misleading by ambiguity and omission to mention the source and date of the award.

Karan Hospital: The advertisement’s claim, ‘’First in north India to have successfully cured piles, fistula, varicose veins by laser and durbin”, was not substantiated with any verifiable comparative data of the advertiser’s hospital being the first in north India to have successfully cured piles, fistula, varicose veins by laser and durbin, or through a third party validation. The claim is misleading by exaggeration.

Chahal Clinic:The advertisement’s claims, “Grow new natural hair from the roots through treatment without surgery”, and “Makes hair black”, were not substantiated with supporting clinical evidence and with treatment efficacy data, and are misleading by exaggeration.

Lumen Clinic: The advertisement’s claims, “Get Permanent Fairness” and “Fat Loss Treatment”, were not substantiated with supporting clinical evidence, and with treatment efficacy data, and are misleading by exaggeration. The efficacy being depicted via images of before and after the treatment is misleading. The “before” image of the model’s face shown in the advertisement (indicating the expressions before product use) was portrayed as unhappy and is misleading.

Mohak Bariatrics & Robotics: The advertisement’s claims, “Get freedom from obesity”, and “Patient will never regain lost weight again”, were not substantiated with supporting clinical evidence, and with treatment efficacy data, and are misleading by exaggeration.

Abhay Ayurvedic Pharmacy – Medari Range of Products: The advertisement’s claim, “To manage/control extra fat and to reduce stomach / weight – use AbhayMedari”, was not substantiated with evidence of product efficacy, and is misleading by exaggeration. The claim, “Government of India, Ministry of Ayush under leading Ayurvedic research institute – CCRAS developed by Ayush 82”, was not substantiated with supporting data, and is misleading by implication that Ministry of AYUSH has approved the product efficacy / claims made in the advertisement.

Herbal Ayurveda (Herbal Gain Tablet): The advertisement’s claims, “Ayurvedic product- increases weight in just 45 days”, “For all Age groups”, and “See the difference in just 10 days”, were not substantiated with product efficacy data, and are misleading by exaggeration.

Naturoveda India Pvt. Ltd. (Naturoveda Health World): The advertisement’s claims – Certain complications such as sexual inadequacies, general weakness, etc. can be addressed through Naturoveda’s treatment, diseases arising from both types of Diabetes can be rectified/cured, were misleading.

The following advertisements were considered to be, prima facie, in violation of The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act and are being referred to the Ministry of AYUSH:-

Naturoveda Health World’s treatment based on the unique combination ofFundamentals of Ayurveda,Potentized Unani and Therapeutic Yoga has proved to be effective. Several couples have got freedom from their sexual problems and are leading a happy married life.

29

Gaharwar Pharma

Products Pvt Ltd / PV Tone Range Of Products

Ayurvedic formula for vim & vigour

Instant pleasure

30

Juneja Ayurveda / Power Tone Joshila

Get vigour of 25 at the age of 55,increases love and gives feeling of masculinity

31

Praveen Surana Deaf Cure Centre

Cure your deafness and improve your hearing loss

Deafness due to birth/ ageing/ side effects of medicine, hole in ear drum, pus, tinnitus, vass and tamra are cured accurately

Useful for premature ejaculation. The claims imply that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure

92

Shivam Homeo Clinic

Successful treatment of venereal diseases

93

S D Industries / Zosh Range

of Products

Where there is Zosh there is happiness

94

Soliel International Healthcare Products / BT-36

Gives beautiful thinking and self confidence

A body toner capsule and cream

95

Dr. DassansAyurvedic Centre/ Dr

Dassans Re Renal

Kidney patient saved from dialysis

96

Shree Maruti Herbal / Stay On Power Capsule

Love will be seen

FOOD & BEVERAGE:-

GrassRoot Nutrition Pvt Ltd (NutriValueAloera): The advertisement’s claim, “I started taking Nutrivalue’s aloe vera juice called as Aloera and within a month my energy was back. I have been taking this regularly since then and have had no health issues”, were not substantiated with evidence of product efficacy and are misleading by gross exaggeration and implication that heart conditions requiring angiography can be cured with this product. The claim exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge and is likely to lead to grave or widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers.

Flipbald Health and Wellness – Flipbald Natural Booster and Natural Protein Capsules: The advertisement’s claim (in Hindi) as translated into English, “Increases weight with Guarantee”, accompanied by the FSSAI logo was not substantiated with evidence of product efficacy, and is misleading by exaggeration and implication that FSSAI has approved the product efficacy / claims made in the advertisement. The efficacy being depicted via visual of before and after the treatment is misleading by gross exaggeration.

Flipbald Health and Wellness (Flipbald De-addiction Powder):The advertisement’s claim, “Say goodbye to addiction permanently,” along with misuse of the FSSAI logo is misleading by exaggeration and implication that the FSSAI has approved the product efficacy / claims made in the advertisement, and exploits the consumers’ lack of knowledge.

Flipbald Health And Wellness (Flipbald Green Coffee Beans and Forume Oil): The advertisement’s claims, “Most powerful fat burner”, “Increases the basal metabolic rate BMR of our body which minimizes excessive release of glucose from the liver into blood” and “Helps to reduce cellulites or stable fat smoothly and increases progressive weight loss”, accompanied by the FSSAI logo were not substantiated with evidence of product efficacy, and are misleading by exaggeration and implication that the FSSAI has approved the product efficacy / claims made in the advertisement, and exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge. The efficacies being depicted via visuals of before and after the treatment are misleading by gross exaggeration.

Flipbald Health and Wellness (Flipbald Green Coffee Beans and Forume Oil):The advertisement’s claims (in Hindi) as translated into English, “……… tried everything including medicines, home remedies, Diet and Exercise but nothing worked. Only taking Flipbald Green Coffee bean the weight was reduced …..”, “loss of 23 kilograms in a month easily”, and “Effective, natural and safe method to reduce weight, reduces cellulitis, reduces stubborn fat”, accompanied by the FSSAI logo were not substantiated with evidence of product efficacy, and are misleading by exaggeration and implication that the FSSAI has approved the product efficacy / claims made in the advertisement. The testimonial of the person, with efficacy being depicted via visuals of before and after the treatment are misleading by gross exaggeration, and exploitconsumers’ lack of knowledge.

Flipbald Health & Wellness (Flipbald Sexual Problems): The advertisement’s claim (in Hindi) as translated into English, “Treatment of sex problems is possible through Flipbald’s Modern and Vedic method”, accompanied by the FSSAI logo was not substantiated with clinical evidence of treatment/product efficacy, and is misleading by exaggeration and implication that the FSSAI has approved the treatment/product efficacy / claims made in the advertisement. The advertisement exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge. The claim, “Gives 100% treatment or get money back”, was not substantiated with supporting evidence of the customers who were refunded the money, if they were not given 100% treatment. Flipbald Health and Wellness Product (Flipbald De-addiction Powder):The advertisement’s claims (in Hindi) as translated into English, “quit intoxication”, and “It balances the Dopamine level and gives riddance from every type of addiction”, accompanied by the FSSAI logo were not substantiated with evidence of product efficacy, and are misleading by exaggeration and implication that the FSSAI has approved the product efficacy / claims made in the advertisement. The advertisement exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge.

Flipbald Health and Wellness Product (Flipbald De-addiction Powder): The advertisement’s claims that the “Patient got riddance from 15 years of addiction”, and “Completely natural and safe method”, which are grossly misleading and exploit consumers’ lack of knowledge. These claims were not substantiated with evidence of product efficacy, and are misleading by exaggeration and implication that the FSSAI has approved the product efficacy / claims made in the advertisement.

Flipbald Health and Wellness Product (Flipbald De-addiction Powder): The advertisement’s claims that the “Patients got riddance from chronic intoxication”, “No side effects such as dizziness or vomiting”, and “This Ayurvedic formula is made by thousand year old method which gives freedom in short time from alcohol, drug, tobacco”, which are grossly misleading. The claims were not substantiated with evidence of product efficacy, and are misleading by exaggeration and implication that the FSSAI has approved the product efficacy / claims made in the advertisement.

UNSP-Packaged Rice (Doctor Rice): The advertisement’s claim, as translated into English, “This rice does not increase diabetes”, was not substantiated with evidence of product efficacy. The claim, “Sugar Free Rice”, was not substantiated with any evidence of the ingredients present in the product. The claims are misleading by exaggeration.

Kwality Limited (Kwality Milk): The advertisement’s claim, “Milk with protein ki Shakti” creates an impression that Kwality milk has some fortification or added protein than milk from other sources which lack power of protein. The claim is misleading by ambiguity and implication and exploits the consumers’ lack of knowledge.

Cargill India Pvt Ltd (Leonardo Olive Oil):The advertisement’s claim, “Leonardo Cook Oil makes deep fried food healthier”, is misleading by ambiguity and implication. The subject matter of comparison was chosen in such a way as to confer an artificial advantage upon the advertiser. There is likelihood of the consumer being misled as a result of the comparison.

Vimal Oil Food Ltd (Vimal Edible Oil):The advertisement’s claims, “The highest nutrient value” and “Only Vimal cooking oil is made of nutrition retention technology”, were not substantiated with comparative technical data or third party test reports, and are misleading by gross exaggeration.

Shradha Ashram – (Shradha Ashram Herbal Tea): The advertisement’s claim, “Protect from depression, ageing process and fear of diseases”, was not substantiated with clinical evidence of product efficacy, and is misleading by gross exaggeration, and exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge.

Adani Wilmar Ltd (Fortune Besan): The advertisement’s claim, “India’s most admired brand”, was not substantiated and it is misleading by ambiguity and omission.

World Champion (Sai KeshariSattu): The advertisement’s claim, “No. 1”, was not substantiated with verifiable comparative data of the advertiser’s product and other competitive products, or any third party validation to prove this claim. The claim is misleading by exaggeration.

Good Times Ventures India (Just Drink Herbal Energy Drink): The advertisement’s claim, “Source of rich minerals”, was not substantiated with supporting data and is misleading by exaggeration.

TeaOX: The advertisement’s claim, “Prevents Cancer”, was considered to be a medicinal / therapeutic claim and was not substantiated for the advertised product. Hence, the claim is misleading by gross exaggeration and exploits the consumers’ lack of knowledge.

Nandi Agro Initiative Pvt Ltd (Nandi Atta Range): The advertisement’s claims, “Magnesium that controls blood sugar”, “Thiamine that prevents Cancer”, and “Sodium that keeps weight in control”, were considered to be therapeutic claims and were not substantiated for the advertised product. The claims are misleading by gross exaggeration and exploit consumers’ lack of knowledge.

Cremica Food Industries (Cremica Mixed Fruit Jam): The advertisement’s claim, “Ranked No.1 – Ranked by Consumer Voice”, was not substantiated with supporting data, and is misleading by ambiguity and omission of the category in which it is ranked No. 1.

Bhaskar Venkatesh Products Pvt Ltd (Bhaskar Salt): The advertisement’s claim, “India’s First Salt that Enhances Taste”, was not substantiated with verifiable comparative data of the advertiser’s product and other competitive products, or any third party validation to prove this claim. The claim is misleading by exaggeration.

Sanzyme Ltd (Nutrus Green Coffee): The advertisement’s claim, “Original probiotic green coffee”, was not substantiated with supporting data and is misleading by exaggeration.

INVENTZ Lifesciences Private Limited (Heads Up Tablet): The advertisement’s claim, “Avoid further hair fall and greying”, was not substantiated with product efficacy data and is misleading by exaggeration.

Pernod Ricard India P. Ltd (Chivas Studio – Win the right way Music CD): The advertisement’s claim “The film signs off with Chivas Studio “Win the rightway” is a surrogate advertisement for the promotion of a liquor product – Chivas Regal and is misleading by implication.

EDUCATION:-

Complaints against advertisements of 21educational institutes listed below are UPHELD mainly because of unsubstantiated claimsAND/ORmisleading claims that they provide 100% placement/placement assistance AND/OR they claim to be the No.1 in their respective fields

Samsung Galaxy Note 8: The advertisement’s claim, “Best Camera Phone”, which was clearly attributed to a review by Hindustan Times, was false, misleading and exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge and is likely to lead to grave or widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers.

Shri Balaji Incense Industries (Balaji Madhu Kunj 100): The advertisement’s claim, “No. 1 Agarbatti”, was not substantiated with verifiable comparative data / market survey data of the advertiser’s product and other competitor products or through a third party validation, and is misleading by exaggeration and implication.

Confident Group (Confident Aquila): The advertisement’s claim, “The best housing brand in Kerala”, was not substantiated with any verifiable comparative data of the advertiser’s housing brand and similar housing brands in Kerala to prove that it is better than the rest, or through an independent third party validation. The claim is misleading by exaggeration and implication.